The death occurred peacefully at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre in Moncton on September 4, 2026, of Olive Gallant, aged 95, a deeply loved daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Ann (Blanchard) Gallant.
At only seventeen, Olive left Prince Edward Island by train to work at a convent in Newcastle, New Brunswick. She settled in New Brunswick and spent most of her adult life first in Irishtown and later in Moncton, where she worked for many years in the laundry business, including at Vail’s and Sunny Brae.
Although Olive spent most of her adult life in New Brunswick, the Dock Road in Western P.E.I. was always home. She returned often to visit family and remained deeply connected to the community throughout her life. Her surprise 95th birthday celebration at the old schoolhouse in Elmsdale brought together over 100 family members and friends. The outpouring of love touched Olive deeply, and she continued telling those around her afterward how wonderful the celebration had been and how loved it made her feel.
Olive was blessed with two special friends, the late Jeanette Pellerin and the late Rita Melanson. She shared many happy years with them, filled with friendship, outings and cherished memories. In later years, as Rita’s health declined, Olive cared for her devotedly and remained by her side until the end.
Known for her extraordinary kindness, generosity, humour and warmth, Olive spent many happy years at Villa Héritage on Elmwood Drive, where she enjoyed the friendship of many neighbours and friends and made countless special memories.
Although Olive never married or had children of her own, she was a deeply loved sister, aunt, great-aunt and great-great-aunt. She is survived by her sisters Robina Trainor (late Lloyd), Angelina Reid (late John) and Priscilla Costain (late Major); one brother, Nelson Gallant (Joanne); one sister-in-law, Bernice Gallant; one brother-in-law, Hedley Costain; and her many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.
Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her two best friends: Rita Melanson and Jeanette Pellerin; two sisters: Marcella Costain and Theresa McNeill (Ralph); and three brothers: Jackie, Albert (Velma), and an infant brother, Nelson.
Olive’s family extends a special thank you to Claudette Daigle for all she did for Olive over the years. Heartfelt thanks are also extended to the staff of Manoir Notre-Dame, the Extra-Mural Program, Dr. Cormier, the emergency department staff at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre, and the paramedics of Ambulance New Brunswick for the care, kindness and support they provided. The family also wishes to thank Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre for their compassion and support.
A woman of deep Catholic faith, Olive had a quiet certainty that when her earthly life ended, she would be with the Lord and reunited with the family and friends who had gone before her. She passed peacefully and will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
The family will receive relatives and friends at Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, 88 Church Street, Moncton (506-858-1900), on Wednesday, September 9, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. only.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church, 5 Valley Ranch Road, Irishtown, on Thursday, September 10, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.
In memory of Olive, donations to the St. Lawrence O’Toole Cemetery would be appreciated by the family.
Words of comfort and donations may be made at www.frenettefuneralhome.com